Welcome!

I'm having a great day. Feeling productive and happy with my present WIP and excited about the upcoming release of a Christmas anthology. I feel like celebrating, so I'm going to do that by doing something here a little different for me. I'm going share a portion of my short story, Finding Finn.

Once again Crandall has created a vibrant and fast paced tale that easily held my attention throughout. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and how they fit in with her shifter world. This unique look is a fantastic introduction to this world and will definitely leave you wanting to get to know them so much better. It is such a sweet tale that I simply fell in love.

This was a fantastic companion tale to Crandall’s Fierce Hearts series. It was an absolute blast to read and really highlighted the other side of the story for me. - Pure JonelI hope you enjoy diving into this short story. I plan to post more portions, but if you're interested in getting right to the story from beginning to end, you can find it on Amazon .

Finding Finn

By Lynn Crandall

FINN MONROE PULLED NISSA BELLO behind him, swiftly removing her from the group of young men gathering around her. Tension hardened his muscles. “Back off, jerks!” He made himself a wall between his friend and the four menacing guys staring him down. “Mind your own business.”

Students gathered to catch the warm afternoon rays of sun in early May dappled the university quad, all of them tightly focused on their own little space in the grass, so much so Finn and his predicament didn’t penetrate their attention. He didn’t budge from the spot under the sprawling limbs of an old oak tree near the Genetics and Complex Diseases building where he worked every day in his research lab. Most days with Nissa, a fellow researcher.

The largest guy in the group stepped closer. “She is our business. Get out of our way or we’ll remove you, and you won’t like our method.”

The trembling in her voice gave away her fear. His heart clenched at the same time bile burned in his gut. No way he was backing down. Yes, the four of them were built like athletes, but he was no slouch. In a physical fight against them, though, probably he had zero chance of winning.

His mind whirled with possibilities. Thoughts of what these overgrown students had in mind for Nissa twisted his lips. Size doesn’t matter. Not to him. Confidence in his ability to talk his way out of this filled him. He knew from an IQ perspective, he was on the high side and them, cumulatively, he’d bet not so much. “I can see you’re determined, but she doesn’t want to go with you.” He tried for nonchalant. “So we’re at an impasse. I’m not going to let you take Nissa anywhere, especially since she clearly doesn’t want to go. And in the United States, it’s her inalienable right to choose. You understand that word, don’t you. It means indisputable, undeniable. So you go on your way before I call the police and we’ll all just chalk up this little fiasco of yours to, oh, I don’t know. A case of brainless syndrome? Finn took hold of Nissa’s arm and made to walk around the group on his way into the building, not taking his glare off the men.

Instantly, two of the four muscled him back around the corner toward the side of the brick building and shoved him to the ground. Finn kicked his feet at the one holding him down and rolled his head from side to side in an attempt to avoid hits. The punches from the other guy hit soundly, one after another. Blood trickled in his eye, but for a split second, he caught a glimpse of the other two men marching Nissa farther down the side of the building.

From deep inside, he drew up all his strength and raised his head. Before the next hit came, he pulled up from the other man’s grip and slammed his forehead hard against the hitter’s.

While the man toppled back, Finn wrenched free from the second man’s hold and took a stumbling step toward Nissa. “Let her go,” he hollered.

Nissa looked over her shoulder at him. His breath caught at the sorrow in her lovely brown eyes. Realization dawned in his mind. She wasn’t afraid for herself, she was afraid for him.

If only he had the abilities of his brother Asher, the were-lynx. Asher could stop these thugs in their tracks with his nudging, his special mind control ability. But as the only member of his family not to express the were-lynx gene, Finn had no preternatural abilities or superior strength. Just his brains, and right now that wasn’t counting for much.

He stretched his stride to catch up with the men holding Nissa, his heart pumping with determination.

It wasn’t enough. Without breaking a sweat, the two chasing him caught up and slammed him against the stone wall. “Hold him still,” one demanded.

“What is wrong with you?” Finn yelled. He imagined the men were on some kind of drug to display such strength and wild tempers.

One man holding him still laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with us. We’re just better than you. The girl belongs to us, and we’re taking her. You should never have butt in.”

Finn could have sworn he heard a barely perceptual growl in the guy’s voice. A chill ran through him, suspecting this group of Neanderthals was like his brother—were-cats—but unlike his brother in that their brand of cat was vicious and violent. “I know what you are.” He tried to yank away from the hold. He held his breath as he nearly slipped free.

But another one of them pressed him down to the ground and held tighter. The man narrowed his eyes and grimaced. “You couldn’t possibly imagine who you’re up against here.”

One of the men holding Nissa motioned one of the others. “Help him hold the girl.” He stared at Finn. “Keep him still,” he commanded while striding closer. He squatted to the ground beside him and shoved Finn’s shirtsleeve up above his elbow. “You’re such a smart guy? We’ll show you another world you’ve never imagined.”

Finn fought back the terror igniting in his gut. “You can’t do this?” he hollered.

“Just watch us. It’s not going to be so fun for you, but we’ll enjoy it.”

Finn knew, just knew what they were threatening to do to him. They were going to initiate in him something that would destroy him. He would no longer be the person he’d always been, the non-were-lynx member of his family. He’d always been proud to be different from his brothers Asher and Kendall and his sister Lara. He was proud to be simply human.

“Finn!” Nissa screamed, wild and hysterical. “Stop it, just stop it.” She pulled free of the other two men and raised her fists.

Finn startled, watching her first drive a punch into one man, then roundhouse kick the other. Wow! She’s got quite a punch. His brain was going fuzzy, he was certain. From the corner of his eye he saw one of the men shimmer as he’d seen his brother shimmer, shifting into a were-lynx.

The were-lynx growled low, then sank his fangs into Finn’s arm. The bite burned. Shock roared through him. This couldn’t be happening. He knew what being bitten meant and he wanted no part of it. He willed his body to reject the serum in the were-lynx saliva. A cloud of sensations and images exploded in his mind.

No one held him down any more, but he lay on the ground, still, removed from the reality he was caught in. Removed from the whooping Nissa was raining down on the four men, essentially taking them out of commission simultaneously.

He attempted to get to his feet, but the sounds of tree limbs blowing in the late spring breeze and people’s voices from around the quad blared in his brain. He rolled back and forth on the ground as everything possible slammed into his senses. He put his hands over his ears, trying to block the onslaught of sounds. Scents assaulted him, strong and demanding attention. He had to close his eyes to an overwhelming tsunami of images his vision was picking up.

“Finn. We’ve got to get out of here.” Nissa’s soothing voice tamped down the earnestness lacing her words. “Can you stand? I’ll help you.”

Her long brown hair fell forward, blocking her face and raising her fragrance to his nose. In one whiff, her melon and seawater scent filled his head and he was rendered speechless. How had he missed this intensely beautiful scent before? They’d been collaborating on a research study for six months and he’d never thought of Nissa in a romantic way. She was all about the work and that was something he’d respected. He didn’t have time for romantic diversions, not when his brother’s life depended on him finishing his work. He hadn’t told her that he had a personal stake in finding the cure for the newly discovered disease they were researching. Giving her too many details would have potentially revealed his secret; his brother was sick with the disease that was only affecting individuals carrying were-lynx genes.

She tugged on his arm. “Finn, did you hear me? We’ve got to leave. Now.”

Thank you for visiting The Write Way Cafe. I'd love to learn your thoughts about Finding Finn.

To all the authors we've highlighted here at The Write Way Cafe and all the visitors and readers who have taken time to share and support the blog and our authors, thank you for a wonderful and enriching 2016. We wish you all a wonderful holiday.

This is a Romance of another kind; Love stories come in many disguises. This time, for me, it began with a fall.

"Of course," I said, "I'll sleep over, make breakfast for CassidyRae, see that she's dressed, teeth brushed,and gets on the bus." Easy, right? Granny's do that after raising a batch of kids. 6 a.m. I woke up to the sound of garbage collectors. Dark outside as I peeked out the window to check my watch in light cast from the outside street lamp. And then I turned. "I'm falling", registered in my head. That was the end of life as I knew it for many months. I heard my 8 year old granddaughter scream,"Mommy, mommy, granny's on the floor and she's not moving." Daughter running with her cell phone calling her school- getting a sub, calling 911 for an ambulance, calling my husband. And now the love story begins just like the song from South Pacific:"Some enchanted evening, you will meet your true love across a crowded room."Picture a rehab hospital: me, a former actor, dancer, now an author of many books, slumped in a wheelchair amidst other folks in pain. Suddenly dogs wearing red jackets appear, they head toward me, their handlers smiling. "Are you Charmaine? Judy Audevard put the word out. Meet Cooper, He's here to give you some love." A Golden Lab laid his head in my lap, then gave me kisses, and leaned in close. I straightened up, my hands stretched out to embrace the pooch; the healing began. With daily doses of a multitude of dogs, both small and large, my spirits rose and I grew determined to overcome a fractured pelvic, serious concussion and more. Daughter brought my computer and I was in business.

At Your Service is the title of my latest release. I wrote and wrote in my little corner of the world in a private room. So many Therapy dogs, trained, oh yes, they take a six month course before they get the diploma. Then the pooch wears a red jacket to show he or she is qualified and the handler, the dog's proud owner, are on their way. They are qualified to go to West Point where they comfort cadets before taking stressful tests, visit returning veterans, attend schools where children with learning difficulties improve when a therapy dog cuddles up to rest his head and so much more. Your heart will warm on a cold night to read these short tails/tales.Thanks for your support, my friends. We appreciate reviews. All proceeds go to Paws for a Cause.Barnes & NobleAmazonSmashwords for All Ereader DevicesAbout Charmaine: I was an actor for many years on daytime drama, One Life to Live, Another World, All My Children. Movies; my first was Working Girl where I sang Happy Birthday to Melanie Griffith and shared a Hot Dog with Harrison Ford during the break. The Road to Wellness with Sir Anthony Hopkins,"call me Tony" he said and invited me to lunch at the special room for the leads and staff. What fun and delicious filet mignon. The sweet time in my life after caring for a large family in the loving days of momhood. Then my voice failed me and I began writing. How I love this career and my publisher, Kimberlee Williams, Vanilla Heart Publishing.FacebookTwitter

The Write Way Café welcomes Kathleen Shaputis, who shares her path to bringing her passion to life.

When did you first have the thought you'd like to write a book? Was that first thought related to writing romance?
Writing has been a passion since I was about six years old writing stage plays for the neighbor kids to act out in my backyard. From there I wrote short stories in middle school and attempted my first novel out of high school. Though my parents sat in the audience applauding my plays, when I was older they told me to put away the creative foolishness and concentrate on getting a job. Throughout marriages, a career and a child, I kept the passion locked away. My novels were romantic comedies and commercial women’s fiction.

What was your path to getting this book written and published? What type of research did you do?
As His Lass Wears Tartan (HLWT) is a sequel, I approached the same publisher, Crimson Romance, who published Her Ghost Wears Kilts (HGWK). Most of my research had been done with the first book, so I was fortunate to bring in the same characters in the same castle.Where did the idea for your story come from?
Back in 2013, I went to an international week-long writers conference held at Hevers Castle in England. I gathered hours of research about the castle and castle grounds for Her Ghost, while studying with literary authors. Actually my husband threw out a suggestion of creating an Agatha Christie murder theme for my next book. The idea stuck and I brought in a writers conference to the Castle Baillie.Why did you pick the setting you did?
I am Scots by heritage and had wanted to write a contemporary romance in a castle setting, waging a quarrel between the Bruce and Baillie clans. HLWT is a sequel and I kept the characters at the Scottish castle.

Are your main characters completely imaginary or do they have some basis in real people? Do they reflect aspects of yourself?
There are some similarities in the characters that I see in myself. Yet, no one character can be seen as having a foundation of any of my friends or acquaintances. They are a potpourri of traits and foibles.

Did you face any blocks while writing the book, and if so, how did you handle them? If not, what's your secret?
HLWT was written during 2015, a year of dramatic highs and lows in my life. When I started I was embroiled in the drama of the birth of my first great grandson by my teenaged grandson and his girlfriend. She lived with me and I made all the dr appts and took them to birthing classes. This kept me busy enough that when I had time for writing what was to be a Christmas novel, the words flowed from being cramped and waiting their turn. However, the baby died before he was three months old under the mother’s care after she moved out of my house and the world ended for me. I clung to my characters as a lifeline to reality and changed the timing from Christmas to springtime.What have been surprises you've encountered while writing the book and after?
I was quite surprised by the violence between the hero, Bruce and the antagonist, Jonathan. Granted, they were both attracted to Rogue who felt she didn’t need a man in her life to be happy, which made their plays for her attention more difficult.

What did you learn? For instance, what did you learn about yourself, your process, the writing world; about Elizabethan-themed weddings, ghosts, and haunted castles?
I learned patience and acquiesce when it came to the title of the book. My working title was Faults and Foibles, as doesn’t every man seem to have many. But the publisher said no and asked for a second try. I submitted The Kilt Dropped Here but due to the television show Outlander using this phrase in their marketing, it was deemed to promote problems. So the publisher gave it the current title to blend in with the first book. I enjoyed researching hand-fasting ceremonies in Scotland quite a bit.

Tell us about your writing space and how or why it works for you.
My computer desk sits in the corner of our library room with wall to ceiling bookshelves along the back wall. To my left are large windows where I can look out at the woods of fir and maples surrounding our house, as well as Junior’s Memorial Garden I built in the front yard. Being able to watch the seasons change and the few deer and squirrels grace our yard keeps my passion going for creating words.

What are some of your favorite books and why?
I love Jane Porter’s books and Jennifer Crusie; JK Rollings, definitely and romantic comedies in general.

What are you working on now?
This is exciting, I’m actually working on a third book at Castle Baillie, working title is The Witch Wears Plaid. It includes jousting and knights in armor, druids and more with the character from the past book, Nell, as the love interest.

Would you like to try your hand at writing a different genre? Which one and why?
I have a darker novel in progress based in the Seventies regarding women’s rights with a single mother as the protagonist. I will be focused on finishing it once I have the third castle book completed.If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
Growing up being told writing was not “work,” I wanted to be a guide dog trainer and work with dogs and those who were blind. However, in the 1960s women were not allowed to be trainers, only men. I was crushed, strike two in my career choices, and ended up in clerical work.What aspect of writing gives you the most trouble?
The middle scenes, I’m either rushing my characters through a problem or have them scattered about listlessly for a while. Sometimes they have to take charge of their own destinies and tell me where to go and what to do.

Who is your favorite hero/heroine?
First thought: Lassie. Seriously, I’ve watched Lassie Come Home so many times and she fights her way through the moors and hills of Scotland valiantly to return to her boy. I must have three different editions of the book. Human-wise Scarlett and Rhett would top the list, such intricate characters with so much passion and such stubborn streaks.

Independent and dedicatedly single, Rogue Bruce enjoys running Castle Baillie with her Aunt Baillie from America. They specialize in romantic Elizabethan-themed weddings, complete with resident ghost, Lord Kai (nothing like a haunted castle to set the mood for love). But love is something Rogue is not the least bit interested in. Content with her work and stable of horses, no man is necessary for her happiness.

Matchmaking is in the air, though, focusing on local Bruce MacKenzie, a Thor-look-alike in jeans, and outsider Jonathan Olson, a snobbish Rhett Butler type. With two men after her heart (she’d thought safely locked away), Rogue is torn with confusion. Murder and a psychic yank the soundtrack of Rogue’s life from romantic to scary, while she has choices to make in this sizzling triangle.

Kathleen Shaputis, author/ghostwriter, lives in the glorious Pacific Northwest with her husband, Bob, a clowder of cats and three pompously protective Pomeranians with little social aptitude: Brugh, Bouncer and Miss Jazzy. If not writing, she’s busy reading and watching romantic comedies, her ultimate paradise.

My daughter has been going through a rough time, learning to cope with anxiety and depression. It’s hard to fight an enemy you can’t see. I often find myself on the rollercoaster of emotions with her – sympathetic at times, encouraging at times, blunt at times. And yet, somehow, she has a tenuous hold on the one thing that has been her passion throughout her life: stock car racing.

It relieves her anxiety. It’s an escape from reality, or should I say to a different reality, for at least a short time. Even during off-season she can climb into the car and feel some relief.

Passion is an intense emotion, a compelling enthusiasm or desire for something. Passion is energy.

In spite of her issues, she is clinging to her passion. She’s setting an example for me.

In the midst of everyday life, between the challenges of work, family and self, I still have a passion for reading and writing. Maybe the order flip-flops at times, but it never goes away.

When I was young, I regularly checked out books from the library. Public, school, bookmobile…it didn’t matter. I just wanted a stack of books to read each week. We didn’t have the money to buy new books, but I didn’t care. Even borrowed books offered opportunties to get lost in other worlds, and to learn.

I also started writing when I was fairly young. My mom recently gave me a folder of papers she had kept from my youth. It was a lot of fun, and kind of emotional, to read the stories I wrote so long ago. Some I remembered, some I didn’t. But reading through them reinforced how important writing has been in my life. To this day, I'm comforted by the feel of a pen in my hand and words flowing onto paper. It doesn't matter if I'm writing letters, poetry or fiction; if I'm journaling, or even just making lists.

For me, there is a freedom in putting pen to paper. There is freedom in escaping into a good book. These are my passions.

My goal as a writer is to share with others the passion I have for reading. If my writing gives just one person the pleasure I’ve had from reading, and encourages them to read more, then I’ve done my job as a writer. Of course, I really want to impact more lives than just one, but one is a good start!

The Write Way Café welcomes T.M. Cromer, who believes in consistency and writing every single day. It's working well for her!When did you first have the thought you'd like to write a book? Was that first thought related to writing romance?
The first time I started to write—and yes it was romance—I was 14 years old. I scribbled ideas and dialog in a pink spiral notebook. Fearing my siblings going through my things, I buried it in the bottom of my closet.What was your path to getting this book written and published? What type of research did you do?
I’m not sure what constitutes a “path” but basically, I hunkered down and wrote my butt off for about a month. It really is about being consistent and writing every single day. As far as publishing, I’m an indie published author. During the process of writing a story, an image of the characters comes to me. Somewhere along the way so does the cover. If it is ebook format, I usually create my own cover. When it’s time for the book to go to print, I have a cover artist friend who will take what I have done and expand on it for the full cover. Publishing is a simple matter of formatting a book to the retailers standard after it has been edited and uploading. It really is that simple. Then comes marketing and that is a whole different ball of wax.
Reference the research: I write mostly romantic suspense. There is very little by way of research that I need to do. On the rare occasion when I need to know if a situation with police might be factual, I phone a friend—much like the gameshow. I rely on others to fill in the gaps of my knowledge base. :) One of my best friends has a husband on the force, and in the case of this story, I called and asked what were the steps for a homicide born of self defense.

Where did the idea for your story come from?
My story ideas come from every day life. But in the case of THE TROUBLE WITH LUST, it was spawned from the first in the series BURNING RESOLUTION. I created that story one day after the New Year when I did exactly as the main character and poked myself in the belly all the while lecturing myself on the need to get in shape. Neither me, nor my character, did so.

Why did you pick the setting you did?
Initially, I had to have Erica’s friend (the MC of BURNING RESOLUTION) be out of town. She had to turn to Zack when the chips were down and her life was, quite literally, burning to the ground. After I’d decided to use Shonda for the love interest of Zack’s brother, Mason, in book two, I knew the perfect setting would be if they’d met on the plane, jetting off to their vacation. It made for a great awkward setting after they returned home and were forced to interact while trying to help rescue characters from book one.

Are your main characters completely imaginary or do they have some basis in real people? Do they reflect aspects of yourself?
In THE TROUBLE WITH LUST, I feel as if Mason is the alpha male we’ve all met at some point. We dislike his arrogance, and yet, we can’t help but be attracted to him. That we are allowed to reform those type of men as writers makes me happy.
In BURNING RESOLUTION, Erica’s whacky character is ALL ME—lemon donut obsession and all.

Did you face any blocks while writing the book, and if so, how did you handle them? If not, what's your secret?
I’m not sure I believe in blocks. There are times I’m not inspired to write, but I find another outlet for my creative energy. I design a cover, create an ad, clean the house, or nap in the hammock. All these things help free my mind of the clutter piling up in there.

What have been surprises you've encountered while writing the book and after?
I’m a panster. Every plot is a surprise. I have a general idea going in how I want it to start and end. I may even have a few ideas how I want specific scenes to play out, but mostly the story takes on a life of its own. On days I’m feeling especially devious, I throw in a plot twist. I can do that, I’m the writer.

What did you learn? For instance, what did you learn about yourself, your process, the writing world; about corporate espionage?
Well, for the month of September, I found I could knock out 100,000 words for the month. Between writing the novella, PICTURE THIS, for Marina Adair’s St. Helena Vineyard Kindle World Series, and writing THE TROUBLE WITH LUST to meet my pre-order deadline, I discovered the ability to dig deep. To woman up (doesn’t that sound better than man up?) and get the job done. The process made me proud, accomplished even. There I was creating two covers, two stories, and working through edits on two books—up to five minutes before my upload was due. That’s dedication. That is drive. I didn’t realize I was that passionate about any one thing to go without sleep.
Learning about the process? I learned that a long time ago with my first two stories. Enough so that by the third book I felt like a pro. And because I enjoy trying new things, I took on the project for Marina’s SHVKW. There was a learning curve associated with using characters who crossed over in other author’s books. Also, in dealing with contracts and professional publishers like the team at KindleWorlds, I learned even more. I’m grateful for every new experience that comes my way. It sounds trite, but it’s 100% true.
Can I confess to bluffing my way through the espionage? That is all from imagination. LOL But I did love St. Thomas when I was there a few years back. It was truly one of my favorite islands. The snorkeling was amazing, and we were fortunate enough to find a local driver to take us to great out of the way spots. It was like being on our own private island. I recommend everyone try that trip at least once in their lives.

Tell us about your writing space and how or why it works for you.
My writing space is all over my house but mostly on the right side of the couch. My office is in the process of being decorated and is all torn apart at the moment. I’m going insane. However, because it is just me and the Hubs, I don’t have the standard distractions of most authors. There is no full-time job, no children, no commitments of any kind for me, well, except for my dog, Tink. She’s a high-energy handful. She’s the true house boss and keeps me on a tight schedule. I am allowed exactly one hour on Facebook, then we must play ball. I am allowed two hours of writing, then we must play ball. I am allowed… well, you get the picture.What are some of your favorite books and why?
I’ve been an avid reader since I was 14. For me, there are too many books to count. One favorite is DREAMING by Jill Barnet. I connected with that character on a level I have yet to connect with another. It would have been what my life would have been like had I lived over 200 years ago.

What are you working on now?
There are four stories currently in my writing queue: SO GREAT A LOVE, THE BAKERY, DALLAS BURNING, and A LOVE TO CALL MINE.SO GREAT A LOVE is a novella for a collaboration I am doing for Hildie McQueen’s INDULGENCES series. I’ve finished it and am waiting for the edits to be returned so that I might get it off to my ARC readers by mid-December.THE BAKERY is a novella that ties into the Workout World & McAdams Pub series. All stories will cross over, as the McAdams family are the cousins to the Sharps from BURNING RESOLUTION & THE TROUBLE WITH LUST.DALLAS BURNING has 1.5 chapters completed and will be a novella for Paige Tyler’s Dallas Fire & Rescue Kindle World due out toward the end of January.A LOVE TO CALL MINE will be a full length novel and the third in the Workout World series. This story centers around the youngest brother, Dane, who readers have come to love. His story is actually going to surprise some readers. His past will be shocking to most and the plot twists should live up to the first two books in the series. Because he’s the most lighthearted of the brothers, I think he’ll be fun to write.

Would you like to try your hand at writing a different genre? Which one and why?
Yes. I’d love to try historical down the road and maybe even some paranormal. I have a few chapters of a few books started and I work on them from time to time when I need a break from my current genres of Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance. One day, maybe a year or two down the road, I’ll release them.If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
Make up artist to Jensen Ackles. That man is HAWT!What aspect of writing gives you the most trouble?
Research. It’s time consuming, and I don’t really enjoy it. My dream assistant would be someone who spoon fed me the information I needed without me having to break stride in typing. :)Who is your favorite hero/heroine?
Is it wrong to put forth my own characters? I’ve fallen in love with Zack from BURNING RESOLUTION. He is funny, sexy, smart, and protective. Sigh.

THE TROUBLE WITH LUST
Mason Sharp has sworn off relationships, but he’s not opposed to a casual affair. He thinks he’s found the perfect woman for a little fun in paradise in Shonda Grant. What he’s really found is a hot mess.
It only takes one look at Mason, and Shonda’s internal alarm is screaming “Danger!” However, the real trouble starts when someone breaks into her suite.
As Mason fights against his ever-growing affection for Shonda, they try to solve the mystery surrounding the break-in. In the process, they stumble upon corporate espionage and a person willing to go to any lengths to keep from being exposed. What started as fun in the sun could end in tragedy unless they discover who is the master player in this deadly game of chess.

PICTURE THIS
Hope Fiore is happy with her existing life in the small town of St. Helena, CA. Sure, she might be a little lonely, but she doesn’t have time for romance. Even if she did, with the Fiore Curse in play, she recognizes that she doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in Hades of ever having a successful relationship.
Enter Royce Anderson. A New Yorker with a charming smile and a playboy attitude. After only one day in town, he’s run afoul of the Fiore family and had nothing but bad luck. However, he’s helpless to resist his attraction to Hope.
Hope and Royce embark on a romance, knowing it can only be temporary. Yet, as things heat up and emotions run high, they start to think it might be possible to be the first to overcome love’s curse in the Fiore family’s history.

About T.M.: T.M. Cromer (aka Tara Cromer) is originally from New Jersey, but spent most of her growing up years in Flagler Beach & Palm Coast, Florida. More recently, she relocated with her husband to Illinois, where she met and fell in love with her fuzzy soulmate, Tinkerbell. She claims her hubby has come to understand Tink ranks first in her affections, as she ranks in Tink’s. He’s cool with it. :)
Job titles she currently holds: Author, Professional Waster-of-Time, Hammock Mounting Safety Instructor, Margarita Mixologist and Spoiler of Dogs.

NEW RELEASE: Savage Betrayal is now available in print or ebook. It is exclusive to Barnes and Noble for 3 months, and then will be released everywhere else. The child trafficking crime ring Detective Nickie Savage is chasing--the one responsible for her own childhood abduction--is growing. The traffickers have infiltrated the police department, the FBI and even her home, steeling Nickie's resolve to find the abducted girls and take down the crime ring once and for all. But discovering the King Pin's identity, the very person who sold her into slavery, just might bring Detective Nickie Savage to her knees.

Watch for the final book in the series to be released in February 2017!

R.T. Wolfe enjoys creating diverse characters and twining them together in the midst of an intelligent mystery and a heart encompassing romance. It's not uncommon to find dark chocolate squares in R.T.'s candy dish, her Golden Retriever at her feet and a few caterpillars spinning their cocoons in their terrariums on her counters. R.T. loves her family, gardening, eagle-watching and can occasionally be found viewing a flyover of migrating whooping cranes.

The Write Way Café welcomes Zrinka Jelicm, author of Gypsy Stone, and other contemporary suspense romance novels. Her unique outlook on life is expressed in her writing in interesting and imaginative ways.Tell us a little about your new romantic suspense Gypsy Stone. It set in Zadar, a Dalmatian town (coastal region of Croatia). The story is told entirely from the hero’s POV. After 14 years he still cannot get over parting with his high school sweet heart who married a man her parents insisted upon and moved to Canada. She’s back in town, but danger follows her in the form of her husband. If your romantic suspense was made into a movie, who would play your main characters, and why?The hero’s name is Dario (if you’re watching The Game of Thrones you’d know there’s a character name Daario Naharis), and heroine’s name is Irena. She has unusual blonde hair (though in the book she dyed it brown to hide it) so I guess she kind of resembles Daenerys Targaryen. What or who has been instrumental in or to your writing journey?It was a dream I had, one of those that are so sad you wake up chocking on tears. It was just so uncanny, I was under the influence of that dream for the rest of the week. If you could be a character in any book you’ve read (or written), which character would you be and why?Oh gosh, too many. I’d love to be Mina in Bram Stocker’s Dracula. We’re adding books to our Café menu. Would your book be a drink, an appetizer, an entrée or a dessert? What would you call it? Definitely an entrée. It was such hard job to get it out of my head and onto the pages. I guess I’d call it the prime roast. What is your favorite social media? Why?Facebook, I get most of the stuff there and I’m most familiar navigating it. Do you have any compulsions you must do for no particular reason?Not really. I wouldn’t call them compulsions exactly. I love my yoga classes and my workouts. Helps me clear my mind when I’m stuck. Tell us about the book in your closet.Would this be a book I’m reading secretly? I would never be ashamed to be seen to read any book no matter how bad or “dirty” it is. If I’m enjoying it I’m reading it openly. Not in the closet. And now for the fun stuff!If you were a punctuation mark, what would you be?Probably a question mark. Many things make me scratch my head. If you aren’t a full-time writer, what is your day job?Well, actually I’m a part time writer only. I still have my day job so I’m a Credit Analyst. What is your biggest shopping downfall?Summer clearance sales. All those cute things I’ve been keeping my eye out for all summer long are finally on sale. Are you a glass half empty or glass half full personality?Neither, glass is refillable. What is something you do that people would be surprised at?Most are surprised to hear I write and publish books. I’m not sure why is that so hard to wrap one’s head around, but it seems it is. Are you a dog/cat/other person?Both, but if I’m not allergic to cats, I’d chose them first. What is your favorite season and why?Summers that are dry and hot. Can’t stand rainy and cool summers. The long days, warm nights, crickets chirping, fun wardrobe, freedom from coats and boots. If you had to write with a pen instead of a computer, what type of pen would be your preference?My first book was written by pen, I think it was just an ordinary pen. Nothing fancy. Whatever I can grab. There are a lot of top ten lists. What list would you be number one on? A list of abandoned hobbies. I tried so many and while I was good at each, none stuck as writing. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in the name of love?Drove for miles just to be with him. If I knew then what I know now, that wouldn’t happen. Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?Used to try to remember everything I’d heard or read someplace to incorporate it into the book, but finally bought a notebook so I can write these things down. The problem now is that I don’t remember writing it. It was easier having it stored in my memory.

For fourteen years, Dario Vitez accumulated wealth and made a name for himself as the owner of Mezzaluna restaurant. Love is the only thing missing from his life ever since his childhood sweetheart, Irena Novak, was forced into a marriage of convenience and lives half a world away. Wondering about her for all these years, he puts his work on hold to find her.Irena is not free from her marriage contract. Danger follows her in the form of her husband, Fred Penne. Fred decided she knows too many of his secrets to live and doesn't care who else he hurts to get her. Discovering the truth about the danger Irena is in, Dario will stop at nothing to protect her.Suspenseful, romantic, and awash in Gypsy magic and Slavic folklore, "Gypsy Stone" captures the enchantment of the Adriatic coast and the power of love, family and friendship.

About Zrinka: A member of Romance Writers of America and its chapter Kiss Of Death, as well as Savvy Authors, Zrinka Jelic writes contemporary fiction—which leans toward the paranormal—and always adds a pinch of history. Her characters come from all walks of life, and although she prefers red, romance comes in many colors. Given Jelic’s love for her native Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, her characters usually find themselves dealing with a fair amount of sunshine, but a little fall of rain is unavoidable in everyone’s life.

I’m one of the few writers who has never been asked where my ideas for stories come from. I’ve heard it’s a common question. Sitting at my computer thinking on ideas, I stopped and wondered about my answer to that question. Hmm…where do my ideas for fiction come from?

I’m pretty sure if someone had asked me this question a few years back I would have said my ideas come from life around me. There is so much diversity of life that the “What if” question can result in many story answers. What if planet Earth had two suns? What if two sisters who truly loved one another decided to work together? What if those sisters were orphaned at a young age? What would be their underlying issues that drive them?

So yes, life is full of ideas for stories. As an author, my problem is not so much having too few ideas but having ideas popping up all the time.

But sitting at my computer I realized my ideas come from some of my basic beliefs: Life is not what we think it is; average individuals are true heroes; internal problems drive us but typically are the way out of pain and lack of awareness.

I want to triumph the ordinary hero and heroine and illustrate how great humans can be, so my stories develop around characters with heart. I consider the man down the street who has clarity about how to live a life of inner strength and quality character. Or the young woman at the grocery store who feels different but faces what that does to her and comes out on the other side of it with more self-awareness and respect for herself. Those struggles are very human, and the way characters travel those types of journeys can speak to life lessons we all can benefit from.

Here’s an excerpt from Dancing with Detective Danger in which heroine Lacy Aegar faces her fear of letting down her walls of protection and getting hurt, a coping mechanism from childhood when her father was murdered.

“Dog?” Sterling started, just as the streak of black and brown fur rambunctiously rounded the corner. “Mr. Teeth! What is he doing here? He’s still limping?”

Ben crouched to corral the dog, and began scratching him affectionately under the chin. “The neighbors at the condo said his name is Joe, not Mr. Teeth. Somebody had to take him in. The animal control guys wanted to keep him, but he’s our only witness to the Witt murder.”

“Excuse me, did you say witness?”

“Yes, witness. And yes, he’s limping. The vet said he has a bruised muscle. Probably got kicked.”

Sterling watched uneasily, thinking of stepping out through the still open front door. “Well that might explain why Lacey and I could get away from him at the condo, he had a lame leg. You two seem to have hit it off.”

“He’s not so ferocious once you get to know him. He’s all bark. Besides, we have a lot in common. We’re both trying to get over broken hearts.”

“I’m driving you crazy? I’m driving you crazy?” Ben stood to face her as Joe ambled away into the living room.

“Yes.” Slamming her hands on her hips, Sterling stared Ben down. “Your comments keep bringing up old stuff. Stuff we settled two years ago.”

In one second, he slammed the door shut and strode close to her. Standing inches from Sterling’s face, Ben peered down at her. “We never settled anything. You may have, I don’t know, but we never settled anything.”

Ben’s eyes locked hers and suddenly Sterling felt her walls tumble. The pain filling his face gripped her heart. She knew she caused it. She had never meant to hurt him so terribly. Doing the right thing shouldn’t be so painful. Caught between the fear of what could happen and the agony of the moment, Sterling closed her eyes and collapsed against his chest. “I’m so sorry, Ben.” Ben’s body, rigid and hard, instantly drew up the buried cravings for his touch from deep and low inside her. As she let her mind relax, she felt a matching response, the taut muscles of his chest molding to her body.

It’s in these moments when average individuals challenge their status quo that their lives can change, and that is exciting fodder for story ideas.